Cartridge construction for containing audio and visual mediums

ABSTRACT

A cartridge construction has a central hub for receiving a quantity of magnetic tape and a film disc, each positioned about the axis of a shaft, to form an integral audio-visual display unit for use in audio-visual display apparatus. The cartridge has aligned apertures at a radial location outwardly from the shaft axis through which light passes to project a film segment contained within the cartridge and in registry with the aligned apertures, and further has an opening formed within one wall of the cartridge to allow an extended advancing pawl (or finger) to enter the cartridge through this opening and rotate the film disc one film segment at a time when such cartridge is inserted into the audio-visual display apparatus.

United States Patent 91 Irving 51 May 22,1973

[75] Inventor: Donald E. Irving, Elmwood Park,

Ill.

[73] Assignee: Motorola Inc., Franklin Park, Ill.

[22] Filed: Oct. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 82,725

[52] US. Cl .353/120, 353/19 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03b 31/06, G03b 21/00 [58] Field of Search ..353/15,16,17,l8, 353/19, 120

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,176,580 4/1965 Metz .353/120 3,432,230 4/1969 Glass ..353/l20 3,556,654 1/1971 Stapleton ..353/15 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,210,011 10/1970 England ..353/l5 Primary ExaminerLouis R. Prince Assistant ExaminerA. J. Mirabito Attorney-Mueller & Aichele [57] ABSTRACT A cartridge construction has a central hub for receiving a quantity of magnetic tape and a film disc, each positioned about the axis of a shaft, to form an integral audio-visual display unit for use in audio-visual display apparatus. The cartridge has aligned apertures at a radial location outwardly from the shaft axis through which light passes to project a film segment contained within the cartridge and in registry with the aligned apertures, and further has an opening formed within one wall of the cartridge to allow an extended advancing pawl (or finger) to enter the cartridge through this opening and rotate the film disc one film segment at a time when such cartridge is inserted into the audio-visual display apparatus.

2 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDNAYZZIQYS 3 734,606

INVENTOR- DONALD E. IRVING BY W {WM ATTORNEYS.

PATENTED W22 3 734, 606

SHEET 2 BF 2 r -IIIAI I.II" VS i w 11 v m H 71 VIZ 27 INVENTOR.

-' DONALD E. IRVING 89 BY WW flaw! ATTORNEYS.

CARTRIDGE CONSTRUCTION FOR CONTAINING AUDIO AND VISUAL MEDIUMS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a cartridge construction for use with audio-visual display apparatus.

Heretofore, several different and relatively complex approaches were tried to achieve reliable and inexpensive audio visual display apparatus which ultimately proved to be no more than-marginally adequate for the general purpose intended. Audio-visual display apparatus generally found use as, for example, training aids for teaching foreign languages and such, and in some instances was capable of being used as an entertainment unit or device. Of the several apparatus heretofore contemplated for this purpose a somewhat common characteristic prevailed, that of having audio information prerecorded on a magnetic tape or disc record, of the well-known type, and playing this tape or record, whichever the case may be, on its own independent reproducing mechanism. In like manner, a film strip or film slide arrangement, whichever is used, would be supported or contained in its own spool or rack and controlled by its own film projecting mechanism to provide a corresponding visual display. In many cases means would be provided to synchronize the audio signal information from the tape or record with that of the video signal information from the film strip or film slide. This synchronizing arrangement generally would take the form of a high frequency tone, or the like, which is prerecorded on the magnetic tape or disc record and which is amplified and used as an electrical signal to control mechanical advancement of the film, preferably this being accomplished by automatic electromechanical means. That is, this signal would be electronically amplified to actuate, for example, a solenoid or motor device which, in turn, would advance the film strip or slide mechanism to the extent required to project and display the next film segment.

In any event, audio-visual display apparatus of the prior art would require relatively complex and cumbersome equipment to accommodate the necessary audio medium and the necessary video medium, as both mediums are generally separate entities, each requiring different and distinct reproducing components. In some cases, for example, a completely separate record player, or tape player, is used and is housed in its own case to be completely separate from the associated slide projector or movie camera, and the only interrelation between these two separate and distinct components is the provision of manual switching means actuated by the user thereof, or in some cases switching is achieved by a prerecorded synchronizing signal. This type of arrangement is generally expensive and requires a large amount of space. Furthermore, containing and storing quantities of magnetic tape or disc records, together with their associated film strip or slides, is a relatively complex situation in that these things can, and in some cases do, get mixed up. That is, the wrong slide or film strip can become associated with the wrong record or tape.

By having to always, or most always, go through several relatively complicated manipulations, the user must have some degree of dexterousness if he ever expects to operate such prior art equipment with any manner of efficiency whatever. He must know how to handle a record without damaging it and further know how to operate the record player. Additionally, the user must be able to thread, load or otherwise manipulate a quantity of roll film or a number of film slides, whichever is used, and again, he must do this with a degree of dexterousness else the film may become tangled or ruined in the process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved cartridge construction for containing audio and visual mediums and such cartridge being arranged so as to be readily insertable into an audiovisual display apparatus without special tools or techniques.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved cartridge construction for containing both the audio and video mediums which are moved by means engaging openings formed in the cartridge.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved cartridge having the physical dimensions and characteristics of a stereo eight cartridge, but containing both film segments and a quantity of correlative magnetic tape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It will be understood that like reference numerals throughout the various views of the drawings are intended to designate similar elements or components and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an audio-visual display system including a main unit which will receive a cartridge constructed in accordance with this invention and further including two auxiliary loudspeakers for the audio portion;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the film advancing mechanism within the main unit of FIG. 1 for advancing a film disc in the cartridge of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a general top view of the cartridge of this invention with the top housing portion thereof removed showing the various components situated therein;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the bottom housing portion which forms part of the cartridge of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a film disc showing the holding detents about the periphery thereof to hold the disc and advancing slots to rotate the same;

FIG. 6 is a spool containing a quantity of magnetic tape to fit within the cartridge of this invention;

FIG. 7 is the top or cover housing portion which cooperates with the cartridge of this invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view through an assembled cartridge showing the relative relationship between thev film disc and magnetic tape contained therein which is positioned for rotation about a common axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Seen in FIG. 1 is an audio-visual display system comprising an audio-visual display apparatus 10 for receiving a cartridge constructed in accordance with the principals of this invention. The audio-visual apparatus 10 may include a pair of remote speakers 12 and 14 electrically connected thereto and which may be positioned at any convenient location relative to the display apparatus 10, it being understood that remote speakers of this type preferably are sized to fit on a bookshelf or bar top, or the like. The display apparatus 10 similarly can be sized to fit in a relatively small area, such as a bar top or similar location, where friendly gatherings of people take place, or in a small quiet place where a student can study by using the display apparatus as a training aid. The display apparatus includes a visual display panel 16, which may be of substantially translucent material, similar to ground glass, to receive a projected image at the rear surface thereof and display this image at the front surface. A built speaker 18 may be provided on the display apparatus 10 so that the unit is still more compact and in this case, the remote speakers 12 and 14 are not required.

To receive an audio-visual display cartridge constructed in accordance with this invention, an entryway 20 of proper size and configuration is provided at the top wall of the apparatus 10 and may include a spring door 22 which acts as a dust protector when the display apparatus is not in use. Insertion of the cartridge is quick and simple without the need of any tools whatever and the dexterousness of the user need be only minimal. Insertion of the cartridge will automatically cause the apparatus to start in operation in a manner well-known, similar to that of the commonly known automobile or home eight track cartridge type tape player.

Most advantageously, a cartridge 24, constructed in accordance with this invention, is sized and shaped preferably similar to that of the well-known stereo eight cartridges, but is internally adapted to contain both audio and visual mediums therein. The cartridge 24 is readily used by any person without causing tangling or confusing the tape and film strip contained therein. As mentioned above, merely by inserting the cartridge into the entryway 20 and running it home to the locked-in position, the display apparatus 10 will turn on and display the film at the screen 16 and reproduce the audio information through the speakers 12 and 14, or the speaker 18. The cartridge 24 includes an opening 26 which exposes some of the notches 40 formed on a film disc 27, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5. Also, the cartridge 24 includes aligned apertures 28 and 29 (FIGS. 4 and 7) through opposite walls thereof which form the housing of the cartridge and a light beam passes therethrough so that a corresponding film segment is displayed on the screen 16. The film disc within the cartridge has film segments about its periphery, and each film segment is movable into registry between the aligned apertures 28 and 29 to be projected by the light beam. The display apparatus 10, therefore, includes a suitable light source, not shown, which is readily mounted behind the aligned apertures 28 and 29 of the cartridge 24, when the same is inserted into the tape player, to project a light beam therethrough and through a corresponding arrangement of lenses, designated generally by reference numeral 80. The lenses 80 are of any suitable or conventional design and the arrangement is used primarily to achieve the proper image size and focus of the film onto the rear surface of the screen 16.

The film segments on the film disc and the audio segments on the magnetic tape are synchronized by, for example, a high frequency tone or other signal, which is prerecorded on the magnetic tape and is utilized to actuate a solenoid circuit or motor control circuit which is arranged to advance the film disc one position or film segment at a time for each tone signal so gener ated. However, a manual control means may be provided, here illustrated as one of the control knobs 30 on the front of the display apparatus 10, to cause stepby-step advancement of the film disc so that the proper film segment can be manually synchronized with the corresponding audio signal information being then reproduced. Once the film disc and magnetic tape are manually synchronized with one another, they will remain synchronized automatically during their entire playing operation.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the cartridge 24 is seen with the top housing portion or cover thereof removed to expose the audio and visual mediums contained therein. The audio medium is a quantity of endless magnetic tape 32 wrapped about a support spool 33 which, in turn, is rotatable about an axis 34 of a short shaft 34a firmly secured within the cartridge. Also rotatable about the axis 34 is the film disc 27 which is rotatable independently of the spool 33 and magnetic tape 32 thereon. The film disc 27 has a plurality of discrete detents 36 formed about the periphery thereof as best illustrated in FIG. 5. Each detent 36 corresponds in position to one of a plurality of film segments 37 positioned at equal angular locations about the disc 35, and each film segment 37 being located on a uniform radius about the disc so that the fihn segments ultimately come in registry with the aligned apertures 28 and 29 to be projected on the screen 16 by the associated light source.

On a radius inwardly of the film segments 37 is located a corresponding plurality of notch means or slots 40 which are exposed through the wall of the cartridge 24 by the opening 26 and these notches 40 engage an advancing pawl 70, shown in FIG. 2, which advances the film disc 35 one film segment at a time for each actuation of the pawl 70. To hold this film disc 35 firmly in position while a particular one of the film segments 37 is being projected on the screen 16, a spring biased roller 41, as shown in FIG. 4, engages the detent 36 under the force of a spring 42. However, the force holding the film disc 35 only prevents inadvertent rotation thereof while allowing the film disc 35 to rotate easily by linear actuation of the pawl 70. Preferably, there is one slot 40 for each of the film segments 37 but it will be understood that any multiple number of slots may be used.

In the conventional manner, a pressure drive roll 45 is mounted within the cartridge 24 and the magnetic tape 32 is wrapped partially about the drive roll 45 to be transported past a magnetic pick-up when the tape and drive roll 45 are in engagement with a capstan shaft, not shown, but which is contained within the audio-visual display apparatus 10. The cartridge 24 illustrated herein contains the entire quantity of correlated audio and visual information which can be reproduced simply and easily in a single apparatus to give a total audio-visual effect which can be thus utilized either for entertainment purposes or for training aid purposes.

FIG. 2 illustrates a fragmentary top view of the entryway 20 and associated linearly actuated pawl mechanism for advancing the film disc 35 one film segment at a time. Here, the pawl mechanism 70 is illustrated as only one means for advancing the film disc within the cartridge. The linearly actuated pawl mechanism 70 includes support members 61, 62 and 63, which may be of sheet metal or cast metal, to form a rigid frame support structure for the pawl mechanism. An extended stop finger 64 is formed at the end and supported by a bearing support member 66 protruding from the support section 61, and which stop finger is used to limit the extent of rotation that the pawl mechanism 70 will rotate about its support shaft 71. In addition, a second bearing support member 67 is provided on the other side of the pawl mechanism 70 to receive a second bearing member for the shaft 71. The shaft 71 is free to rotate about its axis so that the pawl mechanism 70 is freely pushed or pulled, in the direction of the entryway 20, as for example, when the cartridge 24 is inserted into the entryway 20 or removed therefrom. However, the shaft 71 is also axially actuated by a motor driven eccentric 72 pivotally connected to a rod 73 by a connector pin 74. Suitable limit switch means are provided to insure stoppage of the actuating motor when the eccentric 72 has completed one revolution. When the cartridge 24 is inserted into the entryway 20, the pawl mechanism 70 is initially pushed down and out-of-the-way until such time as the cartridge is run completely home so that the pawl mechanism 70 will then flip back into the normal position extending into the entryway 20 thereby entering the opening 26 in the cartridge 24 and engage one of the aligned notches 40 which is exposed by the opening 26.

After the cartridge 24 is inserted into the entryway 20, the motor driven eccentric 72 will actuate the pawl 70 back and forth during each revolution of the eccentric to index the film disc 35 one film segment at a time. The signal for the motor driven eccentric 72 preferably is obtained by a high frequency, substantially inaudible, control signal prerecorded on the magnetic tape 32 and amplified through suitable circuit means so that the film disc will advance to the next film segment only when the corresponding next audio segment is preceded by this synchronizing control signal.

The shaft 71 has a block member 76, which may be of machined or cast metal, from which extends the pawl 70a of the pawl mechanism 70 and is secured to the block 76 by means of a pivot pin 77. To accommodate this arrangement, the block 76 has a cut-out portion 76a to receive the pawl 70a and pin 77. The pivot pin 77 and cut-out portion 76a allow the pawl 70 to pivot sideways out of engagement with the notch 40 when the shaft 71 is retracted (or returned) to its initial film advancing position. That is, when the shaft 71 is pulled to the left, as seen on the drawings, to advance the film, it will firmly engage the corresponding notch on the film disc to advance the film. However, when the shaft 71 returns to its initial position, pawl 70 must rotate or, in other words, fold to the side, out-of-the-way, so as not to cause the film disc within the cartridge to return to its originial position. That is, the pawl 70 must disengage the notch 40 as the shaft 71 returns to its normal position so that the new position of the film disc will remain.

Positioned in front of the pawl mechanism 70 is the lens arrangement 80 to focus the projected image and to cause it to be of the proper size when projected on the rear surface of the display screen 16 so that the image will occupy the entire screen surface to be easily viewed from the outer front surface thereof.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 4, the bottom portion of the cartridge 24 is preferably formed of a molded plastic unit 85 having a leaf spring member 86 secured within a slotted boss in the unit 85, and the leaf spring 86 has pressure pads 87 and 88 at its ends to urge the tape against the magnetic head. The extended shaft member 34a forming the axis 34 has a relatively thin but larger diameter flange portion 89 for receiving an aperture 90 which is formed centrally within the film disc 35 and the film disc is freely rotatable about this flange. The spool 33, containing the magnetic tape 32, is then positioned about the shaft 34a and is free to rotate, independent of the film disc 35, and is limited to be within the central area of the film disc inwardly of the film segments, as best illustrated by the sectional view of FIG. 8. The quantity of magnetic tape positioned on the spool 33 shall be such as not to encroach upon the area of the film segments 37. However, in general, the quantity of tape which can be wound upon the spool 33 and still be inwardly of the film segments is sufficient for the number of film segments utilized. The number of such film segments may be in the order of 15 or more segments, and may preferably be eighteen segments as illustrated herein. Also, it will be noted, in FIG. 3, that the aligned apertures 28 and 29 are situated so as to be free of the magnetic tape 32 as it is peeled off the spool 33 and advanced past the magnetic head over the pressure pad 87 for reproduction of the sound information thereon. The top housing member 92 of the cartridge 24, as illustrated in FIG. 7, is a molded plastic unit substantially similar to that of the bottom member with aligned pins or recesses for assembling the top unit 92 with the bottom unit 85 to form the cartridge housing 24.

What has been described is a simple and novel cartridge for containing a quantity of magnetic tape and a quantity of film segments to be utilized in an audiovisual display apparatus so that simultaneous display of the film segments coincide with the reproduction of corresponding audio segments on the magnetic tape to serve either as a training aid or as an entertainment device, and in either case, the use of such cartridge requires little or no special skill on the part of the user thereof. Accordingly, it will be understood that variations and modifications of this invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I Claim:

1. A cartridge comprising in combination:

a housing having spaced apart top and bottom walls and side walls, an opening in one of said side walls for receiving a magnetic tape head to reproduce audio signal information, and aligned openings in said spaced apart top and bottom walls through which light can pass to project a film segment which is in registry with said aligned opening;

a central hub in said housing;

a film disc rotatable about said central hub, said film disc including a plurality of spaced apart film segments near the periphery thereof sequentially to be in registry with said aligned openings;

means in said film disc including a plurality of actuating slots corresponding in number to said film segments for engagement with an actuator which will will rotate said film disc to position each of said film segments in the aligned openings;

means including a cut-out portion in either of said top or bottom walls to expose at least one of said actuating slots for receiving an actuator which extends into said cut-out portion and engages said at least one of said actuating slots for rotating said film disc; and

a spool of endless magnetic tape mounted on said central hub inwardly of said film segments, said tape transportable past a magnetic tape head to reproduce the audio signal information on the tape, said tape further including signal information thereon for producing a synchronizing pulse which automatically operates the actuator to advance said film disc one film segment at a time to correspond with the audio segment which is then being reproduced. 

1. A cartridge comprising in combination: a housing having spaced apart top and bottom walls and side walls, an opening in one of said side walls for receiving a magnetic tape head to reproduce audio signal information, and aligned openings in said spaced apart top and bottom walls through which light can pass to project a film segment which is in registry with said aligned opening; a central hub in said housing; a film disc rotatable about said central hub, said film disc including a plurality of spaced apart film segments near the periphery thereof sequentially to be in registry with said aligned openings; means in said film disc including a plurality of actuating slots corresponding in number to said film segments for engagement with an actuator which will will rotate said film disc to position each of said film segments in the aligned openings; means including a cut-out portion in either of said top or bottom walls to expose at least one of said actuating slots for receiving an actuator which extends into said cut-out portion and engages said at least one of said actuating slots for rotating said film disc; and a spool of endless magnetic tape mounted on said central hub inwardly of said film segments, said tape transportable past a magnetic tape head to reproduce the audio signal information on the tape, said tape further including signal information thereon for producing a synchronizing pulse which automatically operates the actuator to advance said film disc one film segment at a time to correspond with the audio segment which is then being reproduced.
 2. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein said film disc includes detent means at the periphery thereof; and said cartridge has a holding member engagable with said detents to hold the film disc in position so that a film segment is maintained in registry with said aligned openings. 